What is this medication for?
Hepatitis A vaccine is used to prevent infection by
hepatitis A for people who are at
an increased risk for infection or wish to be protected against infection.
The vaccine contains inactivated hepatitis A virus that is not capable of
causing disease, but instead stimulates your body to produce its own protection
(antibodies) against the disease. The vaccine should be given at least 2
weeks before possible exposure to hepatitis A.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
A qualified health professional will inject the hepatitis
A vaccine. Havrix is not recommended for children less than one year old.
For adults, one adult dose (1,440 EL. U per 1.0 mL) is
injected into a muscle (preferably in the outer upper arm) with a repeat
("booster") dose 6 to 12 months later. For children one to 18 years
of age, a single pediatric dose (720 EL. U per 0.5 mL)is injected into a muscle
(preferably the outer upper arm) with a booster dose 6 to 12 months later.
Store the vaccine in the refrigerator until use. It must not
freeze or it will have to be discarded.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person
needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications.
Other dosing schedules are sometimes used.
It is very important to keep doctor appointments so that
this medication may be used according to recommended schedules. If you miss a
scheduled dose, it may affect how well this vaccine works.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Hepatitis A vaccine should not be used by anyone who:
- has an
allergy to hepatitis A vaccine or any ingredient of the vaccine
- has an
allergy to neomycin